Human Rights Introduction

1863

Lincoln?s Emancipation Proclamation

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1863 On 1st January, United States President Abraham Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that "all persons held as slaves within any State, or designated part of a State, the people whereof shall be in rebellion against the United States" are "forever free."

1865 The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, abolishing slavery in the United States, takes effect on 18th December.

1868 The Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified on 28th July. The amendment prohibits abridgment of citizenship rights and reaffirms the principles of due process and equal protection of the law for persons born or naturalised in the United States and subject to the laws thereof.

1870 The Fifteenth Amendment to the Constitution, which states that "the right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude," goes into effect on March 30th

1885 Berlin Conference on Africa passes antislavery act.